Our Freedom Then and Now: Derbyshire Reflects on WWII community project

Derbyshire Library Service are thrilled to have received funding from Future Art Centres to deliver a community arts project “Our Freedom: Derbyshire reflects on World War II”.

This project is an opportunity to reflect on the 80^th anniversary of VE Day/VJ Day in the County to inspire creative activities and explore what freedom means to us in Derbyshire now. Events have been taking place during October and continue into November, with exhibitions and unveiling during the month. For an outline of the projects, look here. There is still time to join in some of the projects!

Belper Library

• Tues 11.11: Interactive Exhibition - 3-6pm, with artist Lise Bennett, more here

Bolsover Library

• Fri 28.11: Soundscape reveal event - 2:00–4:30, with artist Heidi Luker, more here

Chesterfield Library

• Wed 12.11: Art Journal Workshop - 1-3pm, with artist Helen Moyes, more here
• Sat 15.11: Art Journal Workshop - 12-2pm, with artist Helen Moyes, more here
• Fri 28.11: Art Journal Unveiling - 2:00–4:00pm, with artist Helen Moyes, more here
• Sat 29.11: Art Journal Unveiling - 10am-12pm, with artist Helen Moyes, more here

Eckington Library

• Mon 03.11: Community Collage Making Session - 9:45am–12:45pm, with artist Steph Coley, more here

• Mon 01.12: Community Collage Unveiling - 3-5pm, with artist Steph Coley, more here

Ilkeston Library

• Tues 25.11: Unveiling event 10am-6pm - The Miniature Post War House, created by local people and led by Spiral Arts, more here

For further information on this National project, look here

November Activities for Families:

We have lots of events planned for November for families in our libraries. To keep up to date with the latest events as we add them be sure to keep an eye on our website 'What's On' page. You can narrow down to search for Children's events at particular libraries.

• Every Tuesday - Ashbourne Library - Rhyme Time - 10.15-10.45pm - ring 01629 533950
• Every Thursday - Heanor Library - Libraries Connected SEND FUSION Music & Movers!
  These sessions are perfect for neurodivergent children aged 4-10 years. No diagnosis needed - join Hayley for fun sessions combining music, rhythm and movement. Children must be accompanied by an adult - booking required - 4-4.45pm - ring 01629 533795
• Every Friday - Heanor Library - Sensory Play after school sessions - calm and fun sensory play. All children must be accompanied by an adult - drop in - 3-4.30pm - ring 01629 533795
• Every Saturday - Alfreton Library - a varied programme of activities for children, including crafts, games, lego - 10am-12.30pm - ring 01629 531481
• Every Saturday - Pinxton Library - a varied programme of activities for children - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 535815
• Every first Saturday - Staveley Library - Pokémon card swap - bring your spare Pokémon cards and swap with other players - 10.30-11am - ring 01629 533629 
• Every Thursday until the Christmas Holidays - Holmewood Library - Rhyme time - rhymes & songs - 10.30-11am - ring 01629 533355
• Saturday 1 November - Belper Library - Family craft drop in session - fun and simple crafts for families with children aged four and over - 10am-1pm - ring 01629 533192
• Saturday 1 November - Heanor Library - Halloween/Bonfire Night themed craft, children must be accompanied by an adult - 10.30am-12.30pm - ring 01629 533795
• Thursday 6 November - New Mills Library - KNOWvember children’s display - a wide selection of fun facts, promoting non-fiction reads - ring 01629 533195
• Thursday 6 November - Pinxton Library - Sensory Play - come and bring your little ones to a Sensory session. supported by Bolsover District Council Health Team - 2-3.30pm - ring 01629 535815
• Monday 10 November - Heanor Library - Sensory Play - calm and fun sensory play. All children must be accompanied by an adult - 1pm-3pm - ring 01629 533795
• Wednesday 12 November - Ilkeston Library - World Nursery Rhyme Week Rhymetime session - 10-10.30am - ring 01629 533275
• Thursday 13 November - Heanor Library - Sensory Play - calm and fun sensory play. All children must be accompanied by an adult - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 533795
• Thursday 13 November - Pinxton Library - after school crafts - come along and have a go at some crafts to celebrate World Nursery Rhyme Week - 3pm-4.30pm - ring 01629 535815
• Saturday 15 November - Belper Library - Woolly’s Song Story Time and Craft - enjoy Woolly’s Song with local picture book author, Janet Brady, followed by a woolly mammoth themed craft & author signing. Suitable for children aged 4-11 years. Spaces are limited, so contact Belper Library to book your place now! - 11-12.30pm - ring 01629 533192
• Thursday 20 November - Wirksworth Library - Children's Singalong - 2-2.45pm - dance, sing and shake your thing. 0-5 Children’s Singalong - ring 01629 533730
• Monday 24 November - Heanor Library - Sensory Play - calm and fun sensory play. All children must be accompanied by an adult - 1-3pm - ring 01629 533795 
• Tuesday 25 November - Belper Library - Board Game Club - our board game club is fun and welcoming to all ages. We have a range of classic and modern board games for you to try, and support from our volunteer to get you started! - 4-6pm - ring 01629 533192
• Thursday 27 November - Heanor Library - Sensory Play - calm and fun sensory play. All children must be accompanied by an adult - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 533795 
• Saturday 29 November - South Normanton Library - Children's craft event - fun Christmas crafts for 4+ - 10.30-11.30am - ring 01629 535000

 All events are free drop-ins unless otherwise stated. Please ring the phone number provided for more information.

Library Talks

Three talks are highlighted for November:

• Thursday 6 November - Chesterfield Library - 'The legend lives on: What George Stephenson has done for Chesterfield' - join us for a local history talk by Philip Riden - 10am - ring 01629 533400
• Saturday 15th November - Ripley Library - Dracula Returns to Derby, talk by Dan Webber - Dracula events specialist, Dan Webber, unearths the fascinating connections between Derby and the World’s most famous vampire following research undertaken as part of ‘Dracula Returns to Derby’ - 12-1pm - £5.42 online or pay what you can on the day - book here or at Ripley Library - ring 01629 532982 
• Thursday 27th November - Ashbourne Library - Steve Bonham - Stumbling over Eden - tales of travels around the wild world told in a totally unique style - 2.30pm-4pm - book here or at the library - £5 or £5.50 online - ring 01629 533950

(Steve Bonham, speaking at Ashbourne Library)

Exhibitions in Libraries

• Throughout November - Hayfield Library - Hugh Kearney Art Exhibition - A collection of paintings by Hugh Kearney, a local resident of Hayfield - During opening hours - ring 01629 533438 
• Monday 3 November until Thursday 27^th November -Belper Library - Sue Zmarzty Art Exhibition - drop in any time during library opening hours to view this exhibition of felt artworks by local artist Sue Zmarzty - ring 01629 533192
• Friday 7 November (until 29th January) - New Mills Library - Brian Nolan art display - a marvellous collection of winter scenes from renowned local artist - ring 01629 533195 

(Artwork by Sue Zmarzty)

Adult Events in November

To keep up to date with the latest events as we add them be sure to keep an eye on our website 'What's On' page.

Come along to a variety of events and information for adults in libraries.

• Every Tuesday - Pinxton Library - Weekly creative/mindfulness colouring - relax and colour your troubles away - 3.15-4pm - ring 01629 535815
• Every Wednesday in November - Melbourne Library - computer help - informal 1-1 computer help sessions - 2-3pm - ring 01629 533363
• Every Thursday - Pinxton Library - Weekly coffee and conversation - relax and chat with coffee/biscuits - 11am-12.30pm - ring 01629 535815
• Monday 3 November - Bolsover Library - Community Cafe - refreshments and activities, (No obligation to join in, just sit and keep warm)! - 10-11.30am - ring 01629 537800
• Week beginning Monday 3 November - Ilkeston Library - poppy cascade & poppy trail - installation of our poppy cascade in front of the building ready for Remembrance Sunday/Week, in collaboration with Erewash Borough Council and the British Legion - ring 01629 533275
• Monday 3 November & 17 November -Ilkeston Library - Quiz Social - calling all quizzers! Join us for a fun and informal quiz morning every other Monday - 10.30-11.45pm - ring 01629 533275
• Tuesday 4 November - South Normanton Library - coffee & chat - 10.30-11.30am - ring 01629 535000
• Tuesday 4 November, (also 11, 18, 25 November) - Wirksworth Library - Knit & Natter - 2-4.30pm - ring 01629 533730
• Thursday 6 November - Ashbourne Library - Calm & Create: stitch your story into Ashbourne’s history - take a moment to pause, stitch and connect with yourself, your community and Ashbourne’s living history - 1.30-4pm - book here - ring 01629 533950
• Wednesday 5 & 19 November - Ripley Library - craft group - bring along your craft projects to sit and do along with like-minded people and free drinks - 1-2.30pm - ring 01629 532982
• Saturday 8 November - Ripley Library - Art Ripley - Ripley Library would love as many local people to come along and draw/ paint/create an image of Ripley’s past, present or future.
  With help from local artist, Kelly Herrick, no experience is necessary- just bring your imagination! Suitable for adults and children (aged 4+) - 11am-12pm - to book a space contact the library or ring 01629 532982
• Wednesday 12 November - Alfreton Library - Heart of Alfreton Community connexions coffee morning - Want to find out more about groups and services in Alfreton? Drop in to Alfreton library for a hot drink and biscuits/cake and a chat with staff from Amber Valley CVS and other local groups - 10am-12pm - ring 01629 531481
• Thursday 13 November - Pinxton Library - Pinxton Readers - 11am-12.30pm - ring 01629 535815
• Thursday 13 November - South Normanton Library - Xmas felt decorations, adult craft event - come along to make Scandi inspired hanging Christmas decorations. No experience necessary and all materials provided. Please book - 10.30am-12pm - ring 01629 535000
• Monday 17 November - (every 3rd Monday) - Melbourne Library - Derbyshire Dementia Information & Advice Service drop in - 2-4pm - ring Alice - 07545094968
• Tuesday 18 November - South Normanton Library - Readers Retreat - Join us for our special event for book lovers. Plot twist: this is not your usual book club! Bring the book you’re currently reading and join in with our activities over a cuppa - 2-3.30pm - ring 01629 535000
• Wednesday 19 November - Etwall Library - Informal knit & crochet group - monthly informal session, beginners to expert, bring along your own projects - 10.30am-12.30pm - ring 01629 532633
• Friday 21 November - Pinxton Library - Seasonal creative crafts for adults - wet felting with Tutor/Artist Lydia - places limited, please book - 10.30pm-12pm - ring 01629 535815
• Friday 21 November - South Normanton Library - Xmas felt Decorations – Adult Craft Event - come along to make Scandi inspired hanging Christmas decorations - book at the library - 2.30-4pm - no experience necessary and all materials provided - ring 01629 535000
• Saturday 22 November - Ashbourne Library - Time Swap - 10am-12pm - more here - ring 01629 533950 
• Saturday 22 November - Shirebrook Library - Eco Xmas crafts - Xmas crafts with tea/coffee and a mince pie - 10.30am-12pm - for tickets ring 01629 537960
• Tuesday 25 November - Pinxton Library - Seasonal creative crafts for adults - sensory crafts to help you relax and learn a new skill at the same time with a Tutor/Artist - places limited, please book - 2-3.30pm  - ring 01629 535815
• Tuesday 25 November - Pinxton Library - Seasonal creative crafts for adults - come along and try your hand at some pen and water colour drawing and painting with Lydia, a Tutor/Artist. No experience needed - places limited, please book - 10.30am-12pm -ring 01629 535815
• Thursday 27 November - South Normanton Library - Reader Group - 11am-12pm - ring 01629 535000

All events are free drop-ins unless otherwise stated. Please ring the phone number provided for more information.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Derbyshire Record Office

International Friendship League

In a blog post marking this year's Black History Month, we reflect on the role of community organisations and integration, drawing on archives of members of the International Friendship League. These show that the Derby branch was very active in the 1950s, helping to provide a warm welcome to newcomers from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Correspondence, home-made newsletters and cuttings from the local press help tell the stories of some of the people who made this county their home, whether permanently or just for a short spell: Safwat, an aeronautical engineer from Egypt on a placement with Rolls Royce; Mohammed, a trainee radiographer at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary who came from Nigeria and “spoke of that country’s three regions and how they are working for the independence of the country”; Edmund, a devout Catholic, who gave lectures about England on his return to Nigeria, and "told people how he enjoyed masses and sacraments in Derby". The archive also includes a letter of thanks to the organisers from the Anglo-Caribbean Club of Derbyshire, for their “tireless efforts in helping to break down mythical barriers”. Read the whole post here. 

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Edmund E. Oleka and fellow Nigerians at a gathering in Allestree

Multi-Use Titles on BorrowBox

Every month we get a new selection of titles on our FREE BorrowBox app of both eBooks and eAudiobooks that can be taken out by multiple users at one time. These stay multi-use for 60 days, so if you have a book club and you're looking for your next title then one of these could be your next choice! 

You can find these titles on the main BorrowBox page, identified as a collection with 'No Waiting!' or 'Available Now!'

Titles available from November are:

In eBook & eAudio

• Murder Mindfully - Karsten Dusse
• The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah
• The Humans - Matt Haig

In e-Audiobook only

• Poppy Field - Michael Morpurgo
• Fallen Skies - Philippa Gregory

In eBook only

• The Topeka School - Ben Lerner

Libby - No Wait Titles

The Libby app has a wide selection of No Wait Title e-audiobooks, that you can borrow instantly as well as being perfect for reading groups. Here are just a few that are available - please go to the Libby app to explore more great titles:

• The Beekeeper's Cottage - Emma Davies
• The Lives of Lee Miller - Antony Penrose
• The Bonnie Dead - Andrew Raymond
• Quicksilver - Callie Hart
• Grace - Beverley Watts
• The Dentist - Tim Sullivan

For help on using our eAudio and eBooks, look here.

New Adult Books

Here are three new exciting novels and a non-fiction title for you to discover in November! 

The Afterparty - Ruth Kelly

She was your best friend. Now she's missing. And everyone suspects you.

People drift apart. You and Georgie were inseparable once; she knew you better than anyone. But that was then.

Now, out of the blue, Georgie's back. She's inviting you to a glamorous New Year's Eve afterparty in Amsterdam - a chance to relive the good old days and the fun you used to have.

You go. You laugh. You remember.

Forged in Rome - Conn Iggulden

Can a slave . . . become a master?

AD 37. The Roman Republic has become a true empire, stretching from Egypt to the seacoast of Gaul. Sixty million people live under its rule.

A scribe in a noble household on the outskirts of the empire’s greatest city, a young man who has no memory of his past or his family. Where freedom exists for the privileged few, he has only ever known a life of slavery. His name is Cormac.

When Cormac’s master dies suddenly under suspicious circumstances, he finds himself furnished with documents freeing him from bondage. Surviving somewhere between slave and citizen, he quickly discovers the dangers that come with freedom

The Moon Glow bookshop - Dongwon Seo

Hidden down a quiet alley, glowing softly under moonlight, there is a bar like no other. This otherworldly venue is manned by Mun, a quiet bartender with a knowing gaze and a mysterious past. He serves not just drinks, but moments. Hand-crafted cocktails that shimmer with stardust and emotion; each one a reflection of your own life: your hidden dreams and your forgotten joys.

Long ago, Mun was the guardian at a magical library where every book held the story of a person's life story. Due to his beliefs that those stories belonged not on dusty shelves but in people's hearts, Mun was cast out and shunned. He found hope in the most unexpected person - Bo-reum, a magical Moon Rabbit who gave him an enchanted recipe that could turn memories into magic. Now, in every glass he serves, there is a chance to remember, to understand and to heal.

Sit down and feel your story unfold.

Sometimes, the smallest sip can change everything.

Winter - Val McDermid

Winter is the time to snuggle indoors without guilt; to curl up on the sofa with a good book or a box set, a hot drink or a wee whisky to hand.

Val McDermid has always had a soft spot for winter: the bitter clarity of a crisp cold day, the vivid skies over the Firth of Forth, the crunch of frost on fallen leaves and the chance to be enveloped in big jumpers and thick socks.

In Winter, she takes us on an adventure through the season, from the frosty streets of Edinburgh to the windblown Scottish coast, from Bonfire Night and Christmas to Burns Night and Up Helly Aa. She remembers winters from childhood, the thrill of whizzing over a frozen lake on skates, carving a 'neep' (swede) for Halloween and being taken to see her first real Christmas tree in the town square, lights twinkling bravely in the dark Scottish winter night.

Above all, she shows us that winter is a time of rest, retreat and creativity, for scribbling in notebooks and settling in beside the fire. This is a charming and cosy celebration of the winter season from one of Scotland best-loved writers.

Reserve your copies from our online catalogue.

Children's Book Recommendations

One of our favourite things to do is recommend amazing children's books to you! This month we recommend you check out these titles:

Squirrel and Bird - Laura Baker and Stacey Thomas (Illustrator)

Best friends Bird and Squirrel prove that they are more than people first see them as and that their personalities are multi-faceted.

The Poisoned King - Katherine Rundell - Impossible creatures (2)

When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face, his heart leaps for joy. For months he's dreamed of returning to the Archipelago - the secret islands where all the creatures of myth still live. But he did not know it would involve a rescue mission on the back of a sphinx, or a plan to enter a dragon's lair. Nor did he imagine it would involve a girl with a flock of birds at her side, a new-hatched chick in her pocket and a ravenous hunger for justice...

On this horrible day in history - Terry Deary and Martin Brown (Illustrator)

A year. 365 days. What's the worst that could happen?

Well, quite a lot, as it goes. On This Horrible Day in History is full of horrible (but true) stories, one for each day of the year.

Maybe this year, Christmas is marked with the Romans unexpectedly obliterating rioters…

Maybe you share your birthday with Guy Fawkes…

Maybe your dog shares his with Ivan the Terrible…

In Horrible Histories, anything could happen. With a foul and fascinating fact for every day of the year, On This Horrible Day in History is a book that will have you laughing while you return to it over and over. History – it never grows old.

Reserve your copies from our online catalogue.

Derbyshire Adult Community Education

Professional development through English, Maths, and Digital Skills Courses

Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) offers English, maths, and digital skills courses to support adult learners to achieve their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Whether you're looking to improve your qualifications, build confidence, or gain essential skills for the workplace, DACES provides flexible and supportive learning pathways tailored to your needs.

Making Choices: Step Into Learning

Before enrolling in any English, maths, or digital skills course, all learners are invited to attend a ‘Making Choices: Step into Learning’ session. This initial meeting helps assess your current skill level and ensures you’re matched with the most suitable course option.

To book a session or learn more, visit one of our centres or email: making.choices@daces.derbyshire.gov.uk

English and Maths Qualifications

DACES offers multiple pathways to help learners develop their English and maths skills, from foundational learning to nationally recognised qualifications.

• Fast Track Courses Ideal for those seeking quick progression, these intensive one-week courses run Monday to Friday for a total of 25 hours. Learners can achieve a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in either English or maths.
• Functional Skills Courses These longer courses span up to 30 weeks and allow learners to progress at their own pace. Delivered either face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams, classes are held for 2 hours per week. Assessments are completed in-centre, and courses are available from Entry Level to Level 2.
• GCSE Courses For learners aiming to secure a GCSE qualification, DACES offers GCSE Maths (Foundation Paper) and GCSE English Language courses starting every September. These are available online or in-centre and are free for those who do not already hold a grade 4/C. While previous qualifications are not required, having a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification may be beneficial.

Essential Digital Skills

Whether you're new to using computers or looking to build on existing knowledge, our Essential Digital Skills courses are designed to boost your confidence and help you earn a qualification. All learners begin with a ‘Making Choices’ session to determine the right starting point.

To explore available digital skills courses, visit the DACES Course List.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Our ESOL programme supports learners in improving their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. These courses are designed to help you navigate everyday life more confidently and cover a wide range of practical topics.

• Small, friendly classes with personalised support
• Courses available at various levels
• Initial assessment to determine your starting point
• Work towards a nationally recognised qualification
• Delivery options include online, in-centre, and community venues

To find an ESOL course, visit the DACES Course List.

Derby Book Festival

Tickets for Derby Book Festival’s Autumn Edition are on sale. The Autumn Festival takes place from Thursday 13 November to Sunday 16 November with 25 events in venues across the city, including QUAD, Derby Theatre, Derby Museum, Artcore, the Market Hall and local libraries. 

Tickets for all events can be booked online. There is also a Festival Pass enabling you to attend 12 of the events hosted by QUAD, which costs £60. For people who are unable to attend in person, 14 events will be recorded and made available after the Festival ends as both individual recordings or as a Digital Pass for £40. 

Highlights of this year’s Autumn Edition include Sir Tony Robinson, actor, presenter, historical expert and star of Blackadder and Time Team - and Patron of RSPCA Derby – who makes his adult fiction debut with The House of Wolf, author Paula Byrne on Six Weeks by the Sea: The Summer Jane Austen Fell in Love, LBC presenter Iain Dale on Margaret Thatcher, renowned crime and thriller writer Denise Mina and, for children, best-selling children’s author and illustrator Rob Biddulph, best known for his viral and phenomenal #DrawWithRob videos will be at Derby Theatre on Saturday 8 November.